The 5 Most Affordable Towns in Pennsylvania Where You Can Still Buy a Home Under $275k

Many Pennsylvania residents feel trapped—priced out of the major hubs but unwilling to leave the state entirely. However, a significant shift in internal migration is occurring across the Commonwealth. Data from Zillow and Redfin indicatethat while the major metro centers remain expensive, buyers willing to drive an extra 30 to 45 minutes are finding incredible value.

The "sweet spot" has moved. Residents are fleeing the high taxes of the immediate cities for the "middle ground" regions—areas that offer historic housing stock, revitalized downtowns, and prices that seem like they are from a decade ago.

Here are five towns in Pennsylvania where the American Dream of a three-bedroom house is still attainable for under $275,000.

1. Kingston (Luzerne County)

• The Vibe: The jewel of the "Wyoming Valley."
• Why People Are Moving Here: Located just across the Susquehanna River from Wilkes-Barre, Kingston is attracting remote workers fleeing high-cost areas. It offers beautiful, tree-lined streets and a housing stock rich with character—think big front porches and hardwood floors—at a fraction of the cost of Southeast PA.
• The Financial Outlook: The inventory here is substantial. You can easily find well-maintained, three-to-four-bedroom single-family homes listed between $200,000 and $250,000. It's close to the Poconos for recreation and has a solid local school reputation.

2. Columbia (Lancaster County)

• The Vibe: A historic river town in the midst of a significant comeback.
• Why People Are Moving Here: Lancaster City has become incredibly popular (and expensive). Columbia, located right on the Susquehanna River, is catching the overflow. It has tremendous architectural bones, a growing antiques and brewery scene, and easy access to Route 30.
• The Financial Outlook: While prices are rising rapidly, Columbia remains a bargain compared to the rest of Lancaster County. You can find substantial Victorian-era rowhomes or smaller detached houses for well under $275k, offering tremendous potential for equity growth.

3. Greensburg (Westmoreland County)

• The Vibe: A bustling mini-city with a college town feel.
• Why People Are Moving Here: As Pittsburgh prices push outward, Greensburg is the logical landing spot in Western PA. It is far enough away to avoid the city premium but serves as its own cultural and economic hub, anchored by Seton Hill University and a vibrant cultural district.
• The Financial Outlook: This is arguably the most stable market on the list. Zillow data shows a consistent stock of solid, mid-century brick ranch homes and two-story traditional houses in the $225,000 to $260,000 range.

4. Pottstown (Montgomery County)

• The Vibe: The ultimate "sweat equity" opportunity on the Philly fringe.
• Why People Are Moving Here: If you need to stay within commuting distance of King of Prussia or Philadelphia but have a tight budget, Pottstown is one of the last affordable frontiers in Montgomery County. The town is undergoing massive revitalization, with new businesses filling its industrial downtown.
• The Financial Outlook: The commute up Route 422 is tough, but the savings are undeniable. While renovated homes are creeping up, you can still find decent twin homes and fixer-upper singles for under $250,000—a price point that is virtually extinct elsewhere in Montco.

5. Oil City (Venango County)

• The Vibe: Small-town living surrounded by nature.
• Why People Are Moving Here: For remote workers who want to disconnect from city prices and prioritize outdoor access, Oil City is a hidden gem between Pittsburgh and Erie. It sits at the confluence of Oil Creek and the Allegheny River, making it a hub for kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
• The Financial Outlook: This is extreme affordability. Market data shows that $200,000 in Oil City buys a significantly larger, often historic home that would cost triple that amount closer to a major city. If maximum square footage for minimum dollars is your goal, this is it.

Disclaimer: Real estate markets are volatile. Prices mentioned reflect market trends based on recent data as of early 2026 and are subject to change based on inventory and interest rates. Always consult a local real estate agent.